Former KISS Drummer PETER CRISS Slams Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Snub: “This Is Disgraceful And I Feel Bad For The Fans”

On the February 21st installment of Eddie Trunk Rocks, which airs on New York’s Q104.3 FM, former KISS guitarist ACE FREHLEY confirmed that he will NOT be performing with KISS at the band’s upcoming induction at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Drummer PETER CRISS has posted the following message in the wake of the announcement:

“It’s disappointing to have to say to you, the fans, that as of today, Ace and I have been denied a performance with Gene and Paul for our Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Tickets go on sale on Monday, February 24th and I wanted to make sure that fans understood that no original performance, in or out of makeup, has been offered to us before they purchased their tickets. This is disgraceful and I feel bad for the fans who were looking forward to the four of us being inducted together.”

God Bless, Peter Criss – The Catman

Following is Eddie Trunk’s recap of his conversation with Frehley that started the growing shitstorm:

“Exclusive new late tonight. Ace Frehley called into my radio show live tonight and confirmed that he and Peter (Criss) are being denied the opportunity to perform at the R&R Hall Of Fame ceremony by Gene (Simmons) and Paul (Stanley), who will perform instead with the current band. Ace said (and the HOF confirmed to me directly) that the HOF wants the original band. However, Gene and Paul to date have declined to allow this to happen. Ace said it was important he let the fans know exactly what was happening since tickets are about to go on sale to the public and he didn’t want fans to purchase them expecting a reunion performance even for a song or two. Ace said he is undecided if he will even attend in light of this decision.

Even though the HOF would prefer the original band, they will not stand in the way of the current band playing if that is all Gene and Paul are willing to do. Assume anything is possible that something could change, but at this time there are no plans at all for Ace and Peter to play, or perhaps even be there depending what they decide. As I have said consistently when there was news to share I would let it come directly from a member, and tonight Ace let everyone know exactly what was going on. Said he was most upset for the fans who voted them in and were hoping to see a song or two, but also said it is now time to move on.

He is working on a new album and said the stress was really killing him about the HOF and he needed to let fans know what was up before tickets went on sale. Peter will likely have a similar statement on his site tomorrow. I’ll continue to keep you posted as more info develops but that’s where things are at now. I’m sure the audio will be on YouTube of Ace’s call but you can hear the entire show next weekend as usual on all affiliate stations and online outlets as well. Sad day for long time KISS fans but at least we know where things stand as of now.”

Frehley is quoted from the interview as follows:

“I don’t think KISS fans are gonna be too excited and happy about the news, ’cause at this juncture, Paul and Gene have decided to perform with Tommy (Thayer) and Eric (Singer), and it looks like the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is going along with it.”

“It is what it is. I don’t completely understand it, but those guys do a lot of things that don’t make sense to me. It’s unfortunate for the fans. We’re being inducted because of the fans. And I feel like the fans are being let down. And I’m upset about it; I’ve gotta be honest with you. But I’m trying not to let it get to me because, like I said, I’ve gotta finish my new record and I’ve gotta think positive. And I wanna move forward. But it’s upsetting.”

Guitarist Chris Impellitteri (IMPELLITTERI, ANIMETAL USA) has since taken to Facebook and responded to the disappointing news:

“A message to Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons,

Get your heads and egos out of your ass! I just heard you are not going to have Ace and Peter participate in your performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! FYI – your band is being inducted for the body of work that you created with Ace and Peter, and yes many other studio musicians! Thus, you should honor your fans (however, to be fair I do realize some of the other members may not have the ability to play as they once did, but either way you should wing it and honor your legacy.”

“Additionally – I am sure I will get a shitload of hate mail for this – Gene, you often say in your press releases that you are going to teach all of the new bands how the big boys do it on stage. So be a big boy and work out your issues with the other two original members and show the new bands how it is done honorably. Oh, and by the way, any time you want to get on the same stage with Impellitteri, my band will be glad to let you attempt to teach us how it is done before we send you back home with your egos between your legs.. ha ha!”